Rimming, or analingus, is oral-anal sex that involves using the mouth and tongue to orally stimulate a partner’s anus and the surrounding area.
Rimming is any oral act that stimulates the anus. It may involve kissing, sucking, or licking in and around the anus and perineum.
People of any gender and sexual orientation may decide to perform rimming or have a partner rim them. As with any sexual activity, full consent and talking openly with a partner about what each person is comfortable with is important before initiating this act.
In this article, we look at what rimming involves, how to prepare for and perform rimming, precautions to take, and how to talk with a partner about rimming.
What is rimming?
Rimming is the act of using the mouth and tongue to stimulate the anus, sometimes as part of foreplay before penetrative sex or other sex acts.Other common terms for rimming include:
- analingus, which some may spell “anilingus”
- a rim job
- eating ass
There are many nerve endings at the opening of the anus, which can make it sensitive to stimulation.
Anatomy
Rimming focuses on the rim of the anus and may also involve the anal sphincter and perineum.The anus is the opening at the end of the gastrointestinal tract and connects to the rectum. A ring of muscles called the anal sphincter sits at the base of the anus and helps control bowel movements.
The perineum is the area between the anus and the scrotum or the vulva.
Who does it?
People of any sex, gender, or sexual orientation can perform rimming or have someone rim them, as long as they consent and are of legal age.Is rimming safe?
Rimming carries a risk of passing on or contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, there is a risk of the following STIs from oral sex:There is also a risk of contracting bacterial infections or parasites, such as E.coli or giardia, from contact with the anus. People can transmit a type of bacteria called Shigella through oral-anal sexual contact, causing a gastrointestinal infection called shigellosis.
Hepatitis B and C are infections that people can pass on through bodily fluids. A person may be at risk of one of these infections if they have any cuts or sores that come into contact with the bodily fluids of a person who has one. There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis A from oral contact with the anus.
To reduce the risk of passing on a bacterial infection, people will need to avoid rimming if they have any symptoms of a stomach bug, such as diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. They should also wait until any cuts or sores around the anus or mouth heal before giving or receiving rimming.
People with a throat infection or an STI need to avoid oral sex. To help prevent the spread of STIs, a person canTrusted Source test for any infections before engaging in any sexual activity with a new partner.
A dental dam can help protect against STIs. A dental dam is a square of thin latex that people can place over the anus to help prevent infection. People can also make their own dental dam by cutting a condom open into a square and placing it between the mouth and anus. Alternatively, they can use an oral condom over the tongue.
How to talk with your partner
Consent and clear communication are key to making any sexual activity safe and enjoyable for those involved.Consent is an enthusiastic and definite agreement from a sexual partner for each time people have sex and during sex. Before rimming, it is important that each partner gives their consent.
People can talk with their partner to determine what each person enjoys and what feels good for them, such as:
- what they are interested in trying
- where and how they want their partner to touch them
- how much pressure and what pace feels good for them
- what their boundaries are
- what they are not interested in or what they do not feel comfortable with
Before engaging in any sexual activity, it is also important to discuss how each partner will practice safe sex and if they have any history of STIs or have had testing.
It is important to listen without judgment, pay attention to any concerns a person may have, and accept the other person’s decision if they say no.
How to prepare for rimming
A person can prepare for their partner to rim them by:- showering or bathing and cleaning the anal area with a clean, moist cloth and antibacterial soap to help prevent infections
- making sure to have protection on hand, such as dental dams or condoms
- checking for any cuts or sores around the anus, and making sure each partner is up to date with STI checks
In some cases, people may choose to use a mild enema, which flushes the anus with warm water to clean out any traces of bacteria or fecal matter from the anal cavity.
It is important to take care with the use of enemas, as frequent use may irritate the rectum, bowels, and gastrointestinal tract. Any damage to tissues around the anus may increase the risk of STI transmission.
How to rim someone
People may want to use a water-based lube during rimming. The anus does not lubricate itself and can tear easily, so start gently if penetrating the anus with the tongue.If switching between the anus and genitals, use a fresh condom or dental dam each time to prevent bacterial infections.
Anecdotal sources suggest the following tips for rimming:
- Find a position that is comfortable for each person.
- Start by exploring areas surrounding the anus, such as kissing or licking the inner thighs or buttocks.
- Depending on what people have discussed, they may experiment with different tongue pressures and movements in and around the opening of the anus.
- Notice how a partner reacts and what they enjoy.
Summary
Rimming is sexual contact that uses the mouth or tongue to stimulate the anus and surrounding areas. People of any gender or sexual orientation can perform rimming or have a partner rim them.Oral contact with the anus can carry a risk of STIs and other infections. People should make sure to clean the anus area before rimming and stay up to date with STI checkups. They may wish to use dental dams or condoms during any oral or anal sex.
It is important to have proper consent and communicate clearly with a partner before rimming.
